Most Owala leaks come from the spout gasket being out of place, dirty or worn, or from the lid not being locked or screwed on fully. Remove and reseat the gasket, clean the lid, lock it, and test it over a sink. If it still leaks, contact Owala about a defect or replacement. Carolina Arey, last reviewed September 30, 2026.
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Quick fix in 60 seconds
- Unscrew the lid and pull the gasket out with its tab.
- Rinse the gasket and its seat, and look for grit or hair.
- Press the gasket back in until it sits flat all the way round.
- Screw the lid on fully and fold the carry loop over the button (or use the lock on Sway and FreeSip Tumbler models).
- Fill with water, turn it upside down over a sink and check.
7 causes of an Owala leak
| # | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gasket not seated | Remove it and press it back in until flat |
| 2 | Dirt or residue on the gasket or its seat | Wash the lid and gasket; see how to clean an Owala lid |
| 3 | Lid not locked | Fold the carry loop over the button, or use the lock, before carrying it |
| 4 | Lid not fully screwed on | Tighten until it stops; check the threads are clean |
| 5 | Worn, stretched or cracked gasket | Replace the gasket |
| 6 | Pressure inside from hot, fizzy or shaken drinks | Loosen the lid a quarter turn to release it, then retighten |
| 7 | Damaged lid or a defect | Contact Owala for a replacement under the warranty |
Owala designs its FreeSip lids to be leak-proof when the lid is fully closed. Straw tumblers such as the Owala Tumbler and the Kids’ Tumbler are splash- or spill-resistant, not leak-proof, so keep them upright.
Leak by symptom
Leaking from the spout when closed. Usually the gasket. Reseat or replace it, and make sure the button is fully pressed shut.
Leaking around the lid threads. The lid is loose, cross-threaded or has residue on the threads. Wash the threads and screw it on straight.
Leaking when carried in a bag. The lock is not engaged. Fold the carry loop over the button.
Leaking or spraying when you open it. Pressure has built up. Owala’s care guide says to loosen the lid a quarter turn to let pressure out, then retighten, and keep your fingers away from the recess behind the spout cover. Stainless steel FreeSip bottles are not meant for hot, carbonated or perishable drinks.
Leaking after a dishwasher cycle. Check the gasket is flat and not stiff or warped. See Is an Owala dishwasher safe?
When to replace the gasket or lid
Replace the gasket if it is torn, permanently stretched, sticky or does not stay flat after cleaning. Replace the whole lid if the spout, button or threads are cracked. Check your model’s part before ordering, since parts differ by model. Replacement parts page: Owala replacement parts (publish this later).
When to contact Owala
If the lid still leaks after a clean, a reseated gasket and a correct lock, it may be a defect. Owala offers a limited warranty for manufacturing defects and a 30-day return for unused bottles in original packaging; keep your proof of purchase. See Owala warranty once that page is live.
FAQ
Is the Owala FreeSip really leak-proof?
Yes when the lid is fully closed and the gasket is seated. Lock it before putting it in a bag.
Why does my Owala leak when I open it?
Pressure. Loosen the lid slightly first, and avoid hot, fizzy or perishable drinks in stainless FreeSip bottles.
Can I fix a leaking Owala lid?
Often, yes: clean it and reseat the gasket. If it is cracked or the gasket is worn, replace the part.
Why does my Owala tumbler leak?
The Owala Tumbler and Kids’ Tumbler are not leak-proof by design. They are made for upright use.
Related guides: How to clean an Owala lid and gasket, How to clean an Owala, Is an Owala dishwasher safe?, Can you put hot drinks in an Owala?
Sources: Owala FAQ, Owala FreeSip usage and care instructions (manual copy), KENAS dishwasher guide, Owala FreeSip page